Charles Barkley criticizes the LA Lakers over the handling of Bronny James

CNN
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NBA legend Charles Barkley has criticized the Los Angeles Lakers for their handling of Bronny James this season.

The 20-year-old was selected by the franchise in the second round of the NBA Draft in June, joining his superstar father, LeBron, on the roster.

The pair continued to make history together in October when they became the first father-son duo to appear together in an NBA game.

However, the rookie guard has since played a very limited role in the NBA and was assigned to the team’s G League South Bay Lakers squad earlier this month.

Bronny now plays in the G League when the developmental team plays at home, but returns to the NBA whenever they are on the road – a move that has some scratching their heads.

Among the critics is longtime Turner Sports broadcaster Barkley.

“They’ve handled it horribly,” Barkley said recently on The Bettor Angle podcast, referring to the Lakers.

“I thought it was great, a little ceremony his first game. But the kid’s not ready to play in the NBA. He should be in the G League so he can play basketball. He’s not going to get better sitting on the bench.

“But also this where he only has to play home games. It’s stupid, it’s not fair to him. It’s not fair to the team.

“Can you imagine the coach of that team? You come off a road trip and there’s a player you haven’t seen in a week or two. And then you feel like you’re probably going to play him. I don’t think they do Bronny any favor.”

CNN has reached out to the Lakers and LeBron James for comment.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters in October that the team had always intended for the rookie to split time between the NBA and the G League throughout the season.

“The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and the South Bay has always been the plan since day one,” Redick said, according to the Associated Press. “(Lakers general manager) Rob (Pelinka) and I have talked about it. LeBron has talked about it.”

Barkley also suggested the saga reflected poorly on the older James.

“It’s a bad look for the Lakers. I really like everything LeBron has done, but it’s a bad look for him, in my opinion,” he added.

Bronny has had a slow start in the G League so far, in total 10 points, five rebounds and six assists in 57 minutes of action in two games.

Despite many questioning whether Bronny is ready for the NBA, his father is just grateful for the time he has spent with his son on the team.

“To be able to have this moment where I’m still working and I can work with my son, it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received from the man above and I’m going to take full advantage of that, he told reporters last month.